Pharmacy Contraception Service
Imagine you have a question about your contraception, need a repeat prescription of your pills or want to start on the pill for the first time.
In the past, you would have had to make an appointment with your doctor or visit a specialist sexual health clinic. However, there is another way: Visit your local Peak Pharmacy and use the new NHS-funded community pharmacy contraception service.
Who is the service for?
The service is available for any female patient in England and can be accessed from when your periods start through to 54 years old.
What is the Pharmacy Contraception Service?
This service allows you to get contraception from your local pharmacy without having to see a doctor or nurse. The service is available from participating pharmacies across England and the pharmacy can supply both progesterone-only pills, sometimes called the mini pill, as well as combined pills which use both progesterone and oestrogen.
The service is free of charge and the pharmacist can where appropriate supply initially a 3-month supply of pills, but once you are stable this can be extended to 12 months, saving you time and effort accessing the service at your GP.
How do I access the service?
Community pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare provider and to use this service you simply need to visit a participating pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist. No need for a referral from your GP or NHS 111, simply drop by. The service may not always be available all of the time but our teams will be able to book you in for a consultation at a later date.
When you arrive for your appointment you will need to complete a short questionnaire and provide some basic information about your health. The pharmacist will then discuss your contraception options and help you choose the method that is the most appropriate for you.
If you are already using contraception, you can also use the service to get a repeat supply of your current method. You will need to take your empty pill packet with you to the pharmacy to make sure you are kept on the same medicine. You would be amazed at how many different formulations and combinations are available.
Is the service confidential?
Absolutely, the service is confidential so you can be sure that your information will be stored safely and only used for the purpose of providing your requested healthcare service.
Here are some of the benefits of visiting Peak Pharmacy for your contraception:
- Convenient: You can access the service from your local pharmacy, so there is no need to make an appointment with a doctor or nurse.
- Accessible: The service is available from participating pharmacies in our group
- Confidential: Your information will be safe and secure.
- Choice: You can choose from a range of contraception methods to find one that suits you. We recognise that not all combinations are right for everyone.
- Advice: Unsure where to start? Don't worry, you can get advice on contraception from one of our trained pharmacists.
If you are looking for a convenient, accessible, and confidential way to get contraception, then the Peak Pharmacy Contraception Service is a great option for you.
